Decorative interior encasement molding

ABSTRACT

An overlay encasement molding comprised to match in length the preexisting molding trim where the sides and corners of the overlay will have tight fit to the sides and corners of the preexisting molding and will adhere to the preexisting molding. The present invention further provides a method of attaching sections of planar members to side and corner moldings where the molding has a flat face and right angle corners. Each channel on the planar surface shall mate with the flat right angle corners of the preexisting molding. Such attachments thereby form corners that have a channel and cutout.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to decorative molding. In particular, this invention relates to encasement moldings and encasement molding systems for use on interior molding trim at desired locations.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Interior moldings, such as crown moldings, are commonly used in the beautification of interior spaces including office buildings and homes.

Specifically, building panels such as walls and ceilings may be decorated with ornaments such as cornices, covings, picture rails, ceiling roses, skirting boards and timber moldings that cover joints or otherwise provide decoration.

Interior molding encapsulates a large family of moldings which are designed to flare out to a finished top edge; generally used for capping walls, pilasters, cabinets; used extensively in the creation of interior and exterior cornice assemblies and door and window hoods. interior molding is typically applied along the seams where ceiling meets wall. Usually it is not placed flush against the wall nor against the ceiling. Instead, when viewed from the molding's end, it, the ceiling, and the wall form a triangle. This adds a difficulty to the installation process, namely the need for complex cuts to form corners where two walls meet.

In recent times, interior moldings have generally made their appearance as mostly decorated plaster or wooden trim where walls meet ceilings. These types of ornaments are particularly common in older houses under restoration, or as reproductions that give a new house a traditional appearance. Interior moldings are typically made of wood or plaster, which makes them difficult and expensive to remove for the purposes of replacement. Accordingly, replacing interior moldings can be a very expensive and time-consuming endeavor. The prior art has not solved the need for a encasement interior molding which can overlay existing interior molding in such a way as to eliminate the need to completely replace existing, interior molding. By providing an interior molding encasement system, the present invention greatly enhances the ability to replace or repair interior moldings by reducing the expense and time in replacing the existing interior molding.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/008,548 filed Dec. 20, 2007, the contents being incorporated herein by reference. The problems and disadvantages associated with the prior art are overcome by the present invention, which includes an encasement system for replacing interior molding. In one aspect, the invention provides an additional molding trim installed as an overlay to the existing trim piece.

In one preferred embodiment thereof, the present invention is an overlay molding comprised to match in length the preexisting molding trim where the sides and corners of the overlay will have a fittment to the sides and corners of the preexisting molding and will adhere to the preexisting molding. End molding sections are applied to encapsulate a change in direction or completion of the trim. Each unit will be fitted as desired. A variety of methods as known in the art to attach the decorative members to existing trim can alternatively be used, including the use of screws, adhesives, and nails per best carpentry methods.

This, it can be seen that the present invention provides one secure fit and encasement over the predetermined sections. The present invention further provides a method of attaching sections of planar members to side and corner moldings where the molding has a flat face and right angle corners. Each channel on the planar surface shall mate with the flat right angle corners of the preexisting molding. Such attachments thereby form corners that have a channel and cut out. The step of attaching the substantially rectangular edge within the channel is alternately performed in the methods discussed above, and through other methods as knows in the art.

Therefore, the primary object of the present inventions is to provide an inventive molding which is used to decorate the traditional plain molding trim while keeping the sections substantially perpendicular to each other and tight, smooth joints exist and end pieces. Further the present invention provides solid fitment and attached planar members to the preexisting molding to promote smooth, tight transitions to the planar members.

Further features and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly on a reading of the detailed description of the exemplary embodiments of the invention, which are given below by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is an end view of a preferred embodiment of the invention prior to installation.

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the invention prior to installation prior to installation shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an end view of a preferred embodiment of the invention prior to installation.

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the invention prior to installation prior to installation shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is an end view of a preferred embodiment of the invention prior to installation.

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the invention prior to installation shown in FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1 and 2 show an elongated encasement molding 10 with an outer side 16 and a planar inner side 15 with a cutout 1 capable of mating to a wall or other surface. The outer vertical side 16 is longer than the inner vertical section 15. The molding 10 has vertical side edges 12 of predetermined thickness. The molding 10 further comprises a cap molding 11 formed to inner section 15 having an inner face 13, end face 17 and bottom face 20. The cap molding may be of various geometric shapes. The cap molding 11 extends at an angle 14 from the inner side 15 so as to define a cutout 1 along the length of molding 10 allowing for the engagement by the molding 10 with the preexisting molding. The length of side 16 can vary according to the length of the preexisting molding to be replaced. Top edge 18 forms an angle 19 with the cap molding 11. The cutout 1 and bottom face 20 are the primary sections of the molding 10 that enable it to fit over the existing baseboard molding. Specifically, the cutout 1 will mate with the flat right angle corners of the preexisting molding. The molding 10 then can be secured to the wall and preexisting molding by any affixing means, including nailing, screws and other adhesives. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the molding 10 is selected from the group consisting of wood, aluminum, polymers, medium density fiber board, green, recycled and biodegradable materials, and combinations thereof FIGS. 3-4, end and perspective views respectively, show a window encasement molding 21 made in accordance with the invention with a longitudinal channel 2 of a predetermined width extending the full length of the molding 21. The exterior side 22 and the top 23 of the molding 21 are finished to professional carpentry standards as smooth finished surfaces with corners 24. The interior angle 25 defined by the base 27 of the longitudinal channel 2 and the outer side 4 of the longitudinal channel 2. Interior angle 26 is defined by the intersection of the longitudinal channel and the inner side 6 of the longitudinal channel 2. Angles 25 and 26 will vary according to different molding sizes determined by the non-decorative preexisting molding. The longitudinal channel 27 of the encasement molding 21 will be finished smooth to ensure solid adherence to the preexisting molding. The outside side section 28 and end section 29 will also be finished smooth with professional right angle cuts where possible. The interior side 30 of the molding 21 will also will have a smooth professional finish.

The decorative style of the encasement molding including the radiuses on the exterior of the encasement molding is not defined because this invention is directed to the interior attachment to the preexisting molding. Accordingly, the decorative cut will vary pending on the style desired. Longitudinal channel 2 is the interior area of the encasement molding 21 that fits over the existing window case molding. As described above, the molding 21 then can be secured to the wall and preexisting molding by any affixing means, including nailing, screws and other adhesives.

FIGS. 5-6, end and prospective views respectively, show a door encasement molding made in the accordance with the invention. The door encasement molding 31 includes surface 32, face surface 33 and end surface 34 comprising medium density fiber board and green, recycled and biodegradable materials. Interior surface 36 will also have a smooth finish as this will contact the preexisting door molding sections. The door encasement molding 31 includes a cut out section B.3 on the outside 34 of the molding 31 to overlap the existing baseboard molding. Connection sections and end cuts outs 37, 38 and 40 are made with professional right angles 35 where possible to ensure a smooth secure fit. The length of side section length 39 will vary pending on the overall desired piece of molding being installed. As described above, molding 31 then can be secured to the wall and preexisting molding by any affixing means, including nailing, screws and other adhesives.

It should be understood that the embodiments described herein are merely exemplary and that a person skilled in the art may make many variations and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, all such variations and modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. 

1. An encasement molding assembly for installation on preexisting interior molding, said molding assembly comprising: a planar surface with side edges of predetermined thickness with a cutout section extending the length of the planar surface; and a cap molding formed to the top edge of the planar surface having an interior face parallel to the planar surface and side faces parallel to the side edges of the planar surface and extending vertically from the planar surface and extending the length of the planar surface to define the cutout section.
 2. The encasement molding assembly of claim 1, wherein the elongated body is composed of wood.
 3. The encasement molding assembly of claim 1, wherein said elongated body is contains wood.
 4. The encasement molding assembly of claim 1, wherein said elongated body comprises medium density fiber board.
 5. An encasement molding assembly for installation on preexisting interior molding, said molding assembly comprising: a planar surface with side edges of predetermined thickness with a cutout section extending the length of the planar surface; and a cap molding formed to the top edge of the planar surface having an interior face parallel to the planar surface and side faces parallel to the side edges of the planar surface and extending vertically from the planar surface and extending the length of the planar surface to define the cutout section.
 5. An encasement molding assembly for installation on preexisting interior molding, said molding assembly comprising: a planar surface with side edges of predetermined thickness with a longitudinal channel section extending the length of the planar surface; and a cap molding formed to the top edge of the planar surface having an interior face parallel to the planar surface and side faces parallel to the side edges of the planar surface and extending vertically from the planar surface and extending the length of the planar surface to define the longitudinal channel section.
 6. An encasement molding assembly for installation on preexisting interior molding, said molding assembly comprising: a planar surface with side edges of predetermined thickness with a longitudinal channel section extending the length of the planar surface and a cutout section along the outside surface of the planar surface; and a cap molding formed to the top edge of the planar surface having an interior face parallel to the planar surface and side faces parallel to the side edges of the planar surface and extending vertically from the planar surface and extending the length of the planar surface to define the longitudinal channel section.
 7. A method for installing an encasement molding assembly for installation on preexisting interior molding, comprising the steps of: providing an encasement molding with longitudinal channels and cutout to overlay an existing molding; overlaying the encasement molding over the existing molding such that the longitudinal channels and cutouts mate with the edges and corners of the existing interior molding; adhering the encasement molding to the wall or surface connection the existing interior molding. 